| Once an individual has purchased a smartphone, | | | | certain amount of free data before they must |
| USB connect stick, or computer that includes | | | | pay for use. Others require a payment before |
| mobile access to the Web, he or she will need to | | | | any access will be granted. These locations usually |
| go about getting mobile Internet access. There | | | | charge by the hour, day, or week. Individuals |
| are several different ways to access the online | | | | needing access for multiple consecutive days may |
| superhighway and the cost varies. The free and | | | | get a better deal by signing up for weekly access. |
| low-cost methods allow those on very small | | | | Residents of some neighborhoods may install |
| budgets to get access to the information they | | | | open wireless networks within their homes. |
| need. | | | | Individuals who live nearby can sometimes access |
| Free services include Wi-Fi hotspots, local open | | | | these networks, but they are often not secure. |
| networks, and those that provide access to only | | | | The safest access method is for an individual to |
| certain user groups. Wi-Fi hotspots can be found | | | | install a protected home wireless network within |
| in locations such as coffee shops, airports, book | | | | the residence. The individual can then subscribe to |
| stores, and campgrounds throughout the world. | | | | a Internet service provider in order to get access. |
| Individuals can do an online search to find | | | | Those who have cell phones with Web access will |
| directories of hotspot locations. They will need to | | | | usually experience faster speeds using this Wi-Fi |
| take a Wi-Fi equipped phone or laptop to the | | | | network rather than the Web service offered by |
| hotspot in order to get online at no charge. | | | | their phone carrier. |
| Some public locations such as libraries and colleges | | | | Getting mobile Internet access is easy and can |
| have closed access networks. The library may | | | | even be free if an individual does some |
| only provide access to individuals who live within | | | | homework. Computer and cell phone users should |
| the town and the college may only allow its own | | | | investigate the locations of free Wi-Fi hotspots, |
| students to access the Web. Authorized users | | | | open access networks, and closed networks in |
| are provided with an authentication code that | | | | which they are eligible for inclusion. Having a home |
| they must enter in order to be granted access. | | | | wireless network in combination with these access |
| This prevents too many people from trying to | | | | methods will ensure that individuals are never |
| use the wireless network at one time, which can | | | | without Web access on their cell phones or |
| slow down access speeds. | | | | computers. |
| Some public wireless spots limit users to only a | | | | |